New ultra-Orthodox party sparks interest in the political system
As in every election campaign, new parties are emerging to seek a platform in the Knesset. One such initiative is the 'Achi' party, which has transitioned from municipal success in Netivot to a national run.
As in every election campaign, new parties emerge seeking a political platform and a seat in the Knesset. In this election cycle, a significant number of new parties have entered the arena, offering broad and diverse platforms based on their specific views and desire to influence. Examples include the political initiatives of Erdan and Edelstein.
One of the new parties sparking public interest is the 'Achi' party from the south, led by Rabbi Chaim Yosef Abergel (known as the Chida). The party was established during the last municipal elections in the city of Netivot, where it won 7 mandates. Over the past two months, the party decided to move to the national stage and announced its run for the Knesset.
At the head of the party is Rabbi Yuval Elimelech, an educator from the south who managed Rabbi Abergel's institutions for many years. Alongside him are Avi Dayan, former deputy mayor of Elad; Israel Aflalo, who managed the issue of ultra-Orthodox IDF enlistment for two decades; and Rabbi Erez Reuven, a long-time assistant to Rabbi Abergel. The management of the party headquarters has been entrusted to lawyer Yaakov Felheimer. The party asserts that they will run until the end and are expected to add more names to their list.
According to the party's platform, those who study Torah will receive full support to continue their education, while those who do not study will be required to enlist in the IDF. The party also seeks to introduce core curriculum studies into ultra-Orthodox educational institutions, integrating them alongside religious studies. Economic issues and the cost of living are also extensively addressed in the party's platform.
"We hold a database of over 70,000 potential voters as of now, and there is great interest among ultra-Orthodox and traditional audiences all over the country. The number is only growing," says a senior party official.
Will the party truly run until the end, and will we see alliances form later on? These questions will likely be answered in the coming weeks.
